Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.7 /5.0
51 Client Reviews
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Richard Anthony Merlino Jr.
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About Richard
Biography
As of October 2012, Richard was appointed by a joint committe of Federal judges, Federal Public Defenders, and private attorneys to the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Southern District of Florida. A handful of attorneys are selected to the CJA Panel regionally and are carefully screened in order to ensure that the attorney possesses the professionalism and experience necessary to handle complex Federal matters. The CJA Panelists are called upon and appointed by Federal judges to handle any/all Federal criminal cases where a conflict exists with the Federal Public Defender’s Office.
Aggressive & Proactive. Former Prosecutor. 25 years experience. 954 210-5287
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
33 years | 1,000 cases
Federal Crime
30%
33 years | 800 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
33 years | 1,000 cases
Domestic Violence
5%
33 years | 750 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 32 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
RICHARD A. MERLINO, P.A.
(754) 301-5109
Fax
101 N.E. Third Avenue, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301
richardamerlino.comRichard Anthony Merlino Jr.'s Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Michael | February 12, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent trustworthy lawyer that gets the job done.
Mr. Merlino represented my son Travis in an Aventura unlawful arrest case. My son was charged with Trespass after warning by the Aventura Police Dept. for going to a location where my son his twin brother was shot and killed by a member of the Aventura Police dept. Mr Merlino was able to get the case...
Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Attorney!!!
Mr. Merlino helped me over a 3+ year period. I found myself in a federal healthcare fraud case. He held my hand through all the ups and downs. He didn’t sugar coat anything and was always straight and to the point. His vast knowledge of the processes involved without a doubt got us the result we ...
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommended
My family hired Mr. Merlino to represent me on a criminal (federal) matter. He was able to work with the prosecutor and get me a plea offer that was better than I would ever have expected. Mr. Merlino and his staff were both very helpful and patient throughout this very stressful process. Upon mee...
Posted by Jessica | March 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Really great, caring lawyer
Mr. Merlino was with me since the time I hired him through helping me to early terminate my probation. I really liked that when I called, even though his paralegal Barb is also excellent, I always got to speak directly to my lawyer which made me feel so much better. He is a great guy, its obvious he...
Richard Anthony Merlino Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly recommend Attorney Richard Merlino. I have handled numerous criminal matters with him. We have worked as co-counsel on complex criminal matters. Mr. Merlino is highly skilled and competent in his field. He is well respected among our peers and I find him to have high ethical standards. I completely endorse Richard with no reservations whatsoever."
"Rich is one of the most committed and dedicated attorneys I've ever worked with. I wholeheartedly endorse Rich and his team and look forward to working with them again in the future."
"I've known Rich for approximately six years. There are few, if any, more professional, well-respected attorneys in the courthouse. Having worked many cases against him, I can attest that Rich has an excellent reputation and knows the law as well as anyone. He's an exceptional trial lawyer who always fights for his client's best interest!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have tried cases with Richard. He is a highly skilled trial lawyer with the ability to win cases other less skilled lawyers might lose. He is a difference maker for those who truly care about their freedom."
"I have known Rich for many years, and had the opportunity to share several clients with him. Rich is a zealous advocate for his clients, achieves great results, and the clients we shared have provided overwhelmingly positive reviews of his services. I highly recommend Rich as a criminal defense lawyer."
Joshua Danz
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Partner, VOLUCK & MERLINO, PL
1995 - 1997
Felony Trial Unit Prosecutor, Broward County State Attorney's Office
1993 - 1995
Supervisor County Court Division, Broward County State Attorney's Office
Sample of Legal Cases
STATE OF FL. V. G. PEREZ
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
STATE OF FL. V. DANIEL SCALA
Guilty of lesser included offense, Case still pending appeal
STATE OF FL. V. C. KERTESZ
HUNG JURY, CASE LATER DISMISSED
STATE OF FL. V. C. RODRIGUEZ
NOT GUILTY
U.S. V. N. THOMPSON
ACQUITTED OF ARMED TRAFFICKING
STATE OF FL. V. HASCO LOGAN
NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
STATE OF FL. V. E. SPITALIERI
Guilty of lesser: Manslaughter
STATE OF FL. V. EVERETT LEON
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, ALL COUNTS
STATE OF FL. V. A. HAMZE
NOT GUILTY OF MURDER
STATE OF FL. V. JEFFREY FRYE
NOT GUILTY VERDICT ON ALL COUNTS
STATE OF FL. V. VOLNEY MONDELUS
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
Education
1993
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2004
BARRY UNIVERSITY, PRE-LAW STUDIES
CRIMINAL LAW
Languages
Spanish
English